Josh Phillips remains in the top spot this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the second consecutive week. His solo-penned “Dirt Cheap,” recorded by Cody Johnson, earns him the position.
Hunter Phelps sits at No. 2 this week with “Bulletproof,” “Chevrolet” and “Take Her Home.” With “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” Ashley Gorley takes the No. 3 spot.
Recently-named ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon maintains her position at No. 4 and Matt Jenkins rounds out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/08163241/Josh-Phillips.jpg10001000Madison Hahnenhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMadison Hahnen2024-05-20 16:17:322024-05-20 16:17:32Josh Phillips Notches Second Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
Tyler Hubbard has earned his third consecutive solo No. 1 with his latest single “Back Then Right Now.”
“Back Then Right Now” topped the Country Aircheck and Billboard Country Airplay charts after spending two weeks at the No. 1 spot in Canada. The track was written by Hubbard alongside Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton and is the first single from Hubbard’s sophomore albumStrong, amassing more than 78 million cumulative streams to date.
“I’m so thankful to have my third consecutive No. 1 single on country radio, and it feels surreal to have it happen on the two-year anniversary of starting this journey with the release of ‘5 Foot 9,’” says Hubbard. “The past two years have been amazing, and I’m grateful for all the support from country radio, the fans, and my UMG Nashville/EMI team. I’m excited to keep it going and keep telling my story through my music, songwriting, and live shows, and I’m happy we’re all on this ride together.”
The 22-time No. 1 hitmaker recently announced his headlining “Strong World Tour,” which kicks off in Indianapolis on Sept. 6 and culminates with a hometown show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 21. He’s also touring with Kane Brown as part of his “In The Air Tour.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tyler_Hubbard_11_17_2312618_Secondary_Image-scaled.jpg12582560Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2024-05-20 15:58:022024-05-20 16:25:11Tyler Hubbard Earns Third Consecutive Solo Chart-Topper With ‘Back Then Right Now’
Pictured (L-R): Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride, Alice Randall, Reyna Roberts and Naima Cochrane. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition
The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) held “Act III: A Conversation Around Three Chords & The Actual Truth” last Wednesday (May 15) at Live Nation in Nashville, in partnership with Vibe, Songwriters of North America (SONA), Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and The Ogunlesi Group.
The panel discussion continued the important conversation surrounding Black origins of country music and the exclusion of Black artists in the genre. Naima Cochrane, who wrote BMAC’s 2022 report on the marginalization of Black people in country music, moderated the panel consisting of country artist Reyna Roberts; novelist, songwriter, educator and activist Alice Randall; and rapper, songwriter and OnRamp Awardee Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride.
Roberts shed light on the fanbase expansion and movement that country music has been experiencing following the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. “It’s great to be supported by people who aren’t typically country music listeners…I have been praying for this moment for years,” she shared. Randall gave an overview of the “first family of Black country,” which included Ray Charles, DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride and more.
McBride talked about being a rapper in Tennessee, and the importance of uniting the Black female community despite genre differences in order to create more opportunities for Black musicians in Nashville as a whole. “This is Music City, not just Country Music City. There is space for everybody here…There are other genres here that deserve a little bit of shine as well,” she noted.
Pictured (L-R): Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Mayor Michael Tubbs and Rep. Justin Pearson. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition
Afterwards, BMAC Co-Founder, President & CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers; Mayor Michael Tubbs, Founder of SEED and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income; and Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson took the stage to call for economic justice in Tennessee. BMAC then announced its partnership with Rep. Pearson and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to develop legislation for guaranteed income for underserved Tennessee communities. Attendees were also treated to a live performance by Roberts.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2153167640-scaled-e1716237552695.jpg13271990Liza Andersonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLiza Anderson2024-05-20 15:48:232024-05-20 15:59:45BMAC Holds Act III Of ‘Three Chords & The Actual Truth’ Conversation
Pictured (clockwise from top left): Kerry Wolfe, Cheryl Broz, Kristen Brust and John Lessard
Galaxy Label Group, the record label launched by country duo LoCash in partnership with Skip Bishop and Butch Waugh’s Studio2Bee Entertainment, has added four new staff members to create its Promotion team.
The group will be led by VP of Promotion Kerry Wolfe, who brings 32 years of experience as Senior VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Milwaukee as well as two years of experience as Director of Promotion Southeast for Stone County Records to the role.
“Kerry comes to Galaxy as one of the brightest of stars,” shares LoCash’s Preston Brust. “His encyclopedic knowledge of media and insight into the new consumer discovery patterns has already made Galaxy vastly more energized and ready to succeed.”
Wolfe will be joined by Cheryl Broz as Head of National Field Promotion. Prior to joining Galaxy, Broz rose through the ranks to become Music Director at KRBE in Houston before going on to serve as an independent radio consultant for Crave Records, Columbia Records, Arista Records, EMI, Island-Def Jam and Curb Records.
“Cheryl’s arrival at Galaxy is punctuated with a lineage of executive experience,” adds the duo’s Chris Lucas. “Both her radio and major-label resume includes leadership in country, pop, Christian and adult contemporary genres as well. Cheryl has always been a forward thinker, and is a pioneer in market research and how digital consumption is utilized for exposure. She is brilliant and tenacious.”
Additionally, Kristen Brust has joined the team to handle National Promotion Strategies. She formerly served as a promotion executive at Big Machine Records, and also worked at multiple major market radio stations including KBEQ (Q-104) in Kansas City, Missouri and WWWW (W4 Country) in Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as the iHeart Podcast Network.
“Kristen’s boundless creativity and innate vision of fans’ discovery habits made her a meteoric rising star during her early radio and label career,” notes Bishop. “Having her at Galaxy and returning to the industry is refreshing news to many!”
Finally, John Lessard has joined the team focused on the label group’s National Promotion and Touring efforts. Currently serving as tour manager for LoCash, Lessard spent 12 years in the same role with Chase Rice and is also a partner at artist development company Two Tone Music Group.
“John is the ultimate bootstrap, DIY master and student of the industry,” says Waugh. “He brings to Galaxy an extensive roadmap of relationships, knowledge and experience with connecting the dots between performance, airplay and consumer engagement. Johnny is a powerful mixture of intelligence and charm, and has a refreshing youthful vision of the current music marketplace.”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Galaxy-Label-Group.jpeg10801080LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2024-05-20 14:46:042024-05-20 14:46:52Galaxy Label Group Adds Four To Promotion Team
Pictured (L-R): Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich, EMG’s Lauren Funk, Matt Stell, EMG’s Michael Martin and Courtney Kruckeberg. Photo: Courtesy of Endurance Music Group
Matt Stell has renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.
Stell, signed to RECORDS, has had two No. 1 hits with “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” both he co-wrote. He recently revealed his debut album, Born Lonely, dropping on June 7. Stell co-wrote all ten tracks on the project, including lead single “Built By Broken Hearts.”
He recently performed at “ACM Country Kickoff At The Star” ahead of last week’s ACM awards. Stell is slated to perform on the Chevy Riverfront Stage on June 6 during this year’s CMA Fest.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the unstoppable creative force that is Matt Stell over the past few years,” shares Michael Martin, Endurance Music Group President. “His talent and determination are limitless, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Matt-Stell-EMG-May-2024-1-e1716233949232.jpeg11961978Madison Hahnenhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMadison Hahnen2024-05-20 14:37:072024-05-20 14:40:12Matt Stell Renews Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group
Chris Stapleton, Blink-182, Leon Bridges, Carín León, Norah Jones and Foster The People, among others, will kick off the festival on Friday for both weekends. Dua Lipa, Pretty Lights, Khruangbin, Reneé Rapp, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone and more will take the stages on each Saturday. Tyler, The Creator, Sturgill Simpson, Caamp, Dominic Fike and more will close out the Sunday shows, with help from Kehlani during the first weekend.
Additionally, Hulu will return as the event’s the Official Streaming Destination. The platform will features select live performances, interviews and more during weekend one. Full broadcast lineup and schedule to be announced later this summer.
Both one-day and three-day tickets are on sale now. Layaway Plans are available starting at $25 down. Music fans ages eight and under are welcome to all general admission areas free of charge with a ticketed adult. Austin Kiddie Limits programming information will be announced later this summer. For more information, click here.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ACL-Music-Festival-2.jpeg600600Liza Andersonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLiza Anderson2024-05-20 14:12:402024-05-20 14:12:40Daily Lineups Announced For ACL Music Festival 2024
A new talent competition series from the Magnolia Network, Second Chance Stage, is in development to air on Max this fall and will include Martina McBride as one of the judges.
Filmed in Kansas City, the eight-episode series, produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation, offers contestants who have pushed their dreams aside for years a second chance at their big break. With performances ranging from dancing to singing, stand-up comedy and more, one winner will receive a $100,000 cash prize in front of an audience of talent scouts, agents and producers looking for the next big star.
Other judges include actor Taye Diggs and Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian and actress Heidi Gardner, with sports broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author Emmanuel Acho tapped to host.
Magnolia Network is a joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines and Warner Bros. Discovery, featuring a family-friendly library of Emmy-winning, unscripted original content streaming on Max and discovery+ and the cable network.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Martina-McBride-by-Joseph-Llanes.jpg13342000Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2024-05-20 13:34:022024-05-20 13:34:02Martina McBride To Judge Magnolia Network/Max Talent Competition Show This Fall
Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait has debuted the first track of his upcoming album Cowboys And Dreamers, “MIA Down in MIA.” The new album was announced during his sold-out performance at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month.
Written by Adam Craig and Dean Dillon, and produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the track features Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band along with fiddle player Gene Elders.
“I’m dedicating this record to my longtime manager and friend Erv Woolsey and my longtime fiddle player and friend Gene Elders, who we lost on the same day, March 20, 2024, as well as my longtime friend and road manager Tom Foote, who we lost on April 29, 2024,” explains Strait. “I will never forget all of the good times we had together. May they rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Following the success of Honky Tonk Time Machine, his 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers is set to feature 13 new tracks, including “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame,” a collaboration with Chris Stapleton that he debuted during the Lucas Oil Stadium performance, as well as Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.”
Strait will continue his tour on Saturday, May 25 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, followed by dates in Charlotte, North Carolina, East Rutherford, New Jersey, College Station, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, Detroit, Michigan and Chicago. The tour will conclude with Strait’s 37th installment of his longtime show “Strait to Vegas” on Dec. 7 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cowboys And Dreamers Track Listing:
1. “Three Drinks Behind” (Benjamin Gaither, Jeff Silvey and Kim Williams)
2. “Cowboys And Dreamers” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait)
3. “To The Moon” (Marty Brown and Steve Clark)
4. “MIA Down in MIA” (Adam Craig and Dean Dillon)
5. “Wish I Could Say” (Keith Gattis)
6. “Calling From The Car” (Bobby Braddock)
7. “People Get Hurt Sometimes” (Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey)
8. “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame ft. Chris Stapleton” (Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark and Timothy James)
9. “The Little Things” (George Strait, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
10. “The Book” (George Strait, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Bubba Strait)
11. “Rent” (Guy Clark and Keith Gattis)
12. “Waymore’s Blues”(Curtis Buck and Waylon Jennings)
13. “The Journey Of Your Life” (Ronnie Bowman and Troy Jones)
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/George-Straight-Cowboys-And-Dreamers-scaled.jpg25602560John Nix Arledgehttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJohn Nix Arledge2024-05-20 11:11:142024-05-20 11:11:14George Strait Reveals More Details On Upcoming Album ‘Cowboys And Dreamers’
Austin Snell‘s debut album, Still Bleeding, is set to drop June 28 via River House Artists and Warner Music Nashville.
Still Bleeding features 13 tracks produced by Andrew Baylis, blending the rich narratives of country music with a gritty sensibility to create what Snell aptly terms ‘grunge-country.’ The release features Snell’s breakout hit, “Pray All The Way Home,” which is now impacting at country radio, and traverses the emotional landscapes of mental health, fast-paced living, and much-needed compassion, amplified by dark-energy guitars.
“I’ve never been prouder of a piece of work in my life. This album gets fun, it gets deep, it gets happy, and it gets sad, a lot like life itself,” says Snell. “I truly found my purpose in writing this album and telling stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly. So that’s what I’m gonna do… As long as I’m ‘Still Bleeding.'”
In celebration of the album announcement, Snell debuted the video for “So Can I,” a new track that offers an emotional look at the raw vulnerability of asking someone not to give up on you.
Still Bleeding follows Snell’s 2022 EP, Muddy Water Rockstar, which cemented his status as a rising country star to watch. His debut singles, “Excuse the Mess” and “Wasting All These Tears” have racked up 235+ million global career streams and he was named the first country artist in SiriusXM/Pandora’s artist accelerator program.
Still Bleeding Track List:
1. Some Things Just Stick (Austin Snell, Christian Yancey, Kenny Whitmire, Sam Johnson)
2. Pray All The Way Home (Austin Snell, Cameron Walker, Michael Whitworth, Andrew Baylis)
3. Wildfire (Jared Conrad, Codey Lohden, Clayton Mullen)
4. Double Barrel (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Tucker Beathard)
5. Whiskey Me (Austin Snell, Sydney Cubit, Gabe Foust)
6. Other Girl (Austin Snell, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Roy, Driver Williams)
7. Wasting Mine (Austin Snell)
8. Don’t Pick Up (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Cody Lohden, Conor Matthews, Riley Thomas, Christian Yancey)
9. More Alcohol (Austin Snell, Matt McGinn, Blake Pendergrass, Michael Lotten)
10. Let Me Burn (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Jacob Hackworth, Bones Owens)
11. So Can I (Austin Snell, Lukas Scott, Joybeth Taylor)
12. Everybody’s Friend (Austin Snell, Driver Williams, Justin Ebach)
13. We Weren’t Meant To Be (Austin Snell, Driver Williams, Justin Ebach)
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Still-Bleeding-FINAL.jpg20002000Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2024-05-20 11:03:392024-05-20 11:09:40Austin Snell’s ‘Still Bleeding’ Set For June 28
Noted Nashville record producer Bud Logan has died at age 83.
Logan is best known for producing 23 top 10 hits for Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee between 1978 and 1988, including such signature songs as “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Friday Night Blues.” He also produced “I Tell It Like It Used to Be” and “Hell and High Water,” which launched the career of Opry star T. Graham Brown.
Born Ira Robert Logan, he was a Tennessee native who first came to prominence as the bass player for The Blue Boys, the backing band of Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Reeves. After Reeves died in a 1964 plane crash, Logan became the band’s lead singer. The Blue Boys Featuring Bud Logan charted with two RCA singles, 1967’s “My Cup Runneth Over” and 1968’s “I’m Not Ready Yet.”
Logan also recorded as a solo artist, both for RCA (1968-69) and Mercury (1970-71). He formed a successful duo with Wilma Burgess, and the pair had hits with “Wake Me Into Love” and “The Best Day of the Rest of Our Love” in 1974.
He was also a songwriter. Logan’s songs were recorded by Jean Shepard, Billy Large and Charlie Rich, among others. Ernest Tubb released Logan’s “Till My Getup Has Has Gotup and Gone” as a Decca Records single in 1966.
But it was as a record producer that Logan became best known. In addition to the hits of Conlee and Brown, he produced such country artists as Roy Head, Dana McVicker, Johnny Lee, Shane Barnby, B.J. Thomas and Jeff Knight. He was noted as a mentor to many young singers and songwriters in Music City.
Josh Phillips Notches Second Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJosh Phillips
Josh Phillips remains in the top spot this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the second consecutive week. His solo-penned “Dirt Cheap,” recorded by Cody Johnson, earns him the position.
Hunter Phelps sits at No. 2 this week with “Bulletproof,” “Chevrolet” and “Take Her Home.” With “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” Ashley Gorley takes the No. 3 spot.
Recently-named ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon maintains her position at No. 4 and Matt Jenkins rounds out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Tyler Hubbard Earns Third Consecutive Solo Chart-Topper With ‘Back Then Right Now’
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Hubbard. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Tyler Hubbard has earned his third consecutive solo No. 1 with his latest single “Back Then Right Now.”
“Back Then Right Now” topped the Country Aircheck and Billboard Country Airplay charts after spending two weeks at the No. 1 spot in Canada. The track was written by Hubbard alongside Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton and is the first single from Hubbard’s sophomore album Strong, amassing more than 78 million cumulative streams to date.
“I’m so thankful to have my third consecutive No. 1 single on country radio, and it feels surreal to have it happen on the two-year anniversary of starting this journey with the release of ‘5 Foot 9,’” says Hubbard. “The past two years have been amazing, and I’m grateful for all the support from country radio, the fans, and my UMG Nashville/EMI team. I’m excited to keep it going and keep telling my story through my music, songwriting, and live shows, and I’m happy we’re all on this ride together.”
The 22-time No. 1 hitmaker recently announced his headlining “Strong World Tour,” which kicks off in Indianapolis on Sept. 6 and culminates with a hometown show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 21. He’s also touring with Kane Brown as part of his “In The Air Tour.”
BMAC Holds Act III Of ‘Three Chords & The Actual Truth’ Conversation
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride, Alice Randall, Reyna Roberts and Naima Cochrane. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition
The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) held “Act III: A Conversation Around Three Chords & The Actual Truth” last Wednesday (May 15) at Live Nation in Nashville, in partnership with Vibe, Songwriters of North America (SONA), Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and The Ogunlesi Group.
The panel discussion continued the important conversation surrounding Black origins of country music and the exclusion of Black artists in the genre. Naima Cochrane, who wrote BMAC’s 2022 report on the marginalization of Black people in country music, moderated the panel consisting of country artist Reyna Roberts; novelist, songwriter, educator and activist Alice Randall; and rapper, songwriter and OnRamp Awardee Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride.
Roberts shed light on the fanbase expansion and movement that country music has been experiencing following the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. “It’s great to be supported by people who aren’t typically country music listeners…I have been praying for this moment for years,” she shared. Randall gave an overview of the “first family of Black country,” which included Ray Charles, DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride and more.
McBride talked about being a rapper in Tennessee, and the importance of uniting the Black female community despite genre differences in order to create more opportunities for Black musicians in Nashville as a whole. “This is Music City, not just Country Music City. There is space for everybody here…There are other genres here that deserve a little bit of shine as well,” she noted.
Pictured (L-R): Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Mayor Michael Tubbs and Rep. Justin Pearson. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition
Afterwards, BMAC Co-Founder, President & CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers; Mayor Michael Tubbs, Founder of SEED and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income; and Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson took the stage to call for economic justice in Tennessee. BMAC then announced its partnership with Rep. Pearson and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to develop legislation for guaranteed income for underserved Tennessee communities. Attendees were also treated to a live performance by Roberts.
Galaxy Label Group Adds Four To Promotion Team
/by LB CantrellPictured (clockwise from top left): Kerry Wolfe, Cheryl Broz, Kristen Brust and John Lessard
Galaxy Label Group, the record label launched by country duo LoCash in partnership with Skip Bishop and Butch Waugh’s Studio2Bee Entertainment, has added four new staff members to create its Promotion team.
The group will be led by VP of Promotion Kerry Wolfe, who brings 32 years of experience as Senior VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Milwaukee as well as two years of experience as Director of Promotion Southeast for Stone County Records to the role.
“Kerry comes to Galaxy as one of the brightest of stars,” shares LoCash’s Preston Brust. “His encyclopedic knowledge of media and insight into the new consumer discovery patterns has already made Galaxy vastly more energized and ready to succeed.”
Wolfe will be joined by Cheryl Broz as Head of National Field Promotion. Prior to joining Galaxy, Broz rose through the ranks to become Music Director at KRBE in Houston before going on to serve as an independent radio consultant for Crave Records, Columbia Records, Arista Records, EMI, Island-Def Jam and Curb Records.
“Cheryl’s arrival at Galaxy is punctuated with a lineage of executive experience,” adds the duo’s Chris Lucas. “Both her radio and major-label resume includes leadership in country, pop, Christian and adult contemporary genres as well. Cheryl has always been a forward thinker, and is a pioneer in market research and how digital consumption is utilized for exposure. She is brilliant and tenacious.”
Additionally, Kristen Brust has joined the team to handle National Promotion Strategies. She formerly served as a promotion executive at Big Machine Records, and also worked at multiple major market radio stations including KBEQ (Q-104) in Kansas City, Missouri and WWWW (W4 Country) in Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as the iHeart Podcast Network.
“Kristen’s boundless creativity and innate vision of fans’ discovery habits made her a meteoric rising star during her early radio and label career,” notes Bishop. “Having her at Galaxy and returning to the industry is refreshing news to many!”
Finally, John Lessard has joined the team focused on the label group’s National Promotion and Touring efforts. Currently serving as tour manager for LoCash, Lessard spent 12 years in the same role with Chase Rice and is also a partner at artist development company Two Tone Music Group.
“John is the ultimate bootstrap, DIY master and student of the industry,” says Waugh. “He brings to Galaxy an extensive roadmap of relationships, knowledge and experience with connecting the dots between performance, airplay and consumer engagement. Johnny is a powerful mixture of intelligence and charm, and has a refreshing youthful vision of the current music marketplace.”
Wolfe can be reached at kerry@galaxylabelgroup.net, Broz at cheryl@galaxylabelgroup.net, Brust at kristen@galaxylabelgroup.net and Lessard at john@galaxylabelgroup.net.
Matt Stell Renews Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich, EMG’s Lauren Funk, Matt Stell, EMG’s Michael Martin and Courtney Kruckeberg. Photo: Courtesy of Endurance Music Group
Matt Stell has renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.
Stell, signed to RECORDS, has had two No. 1 hits with “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” both he co-wrote. He recently revealed his debut album, Born Lonely, dropping on June 7. Stell co-wrote all ten tracks on the project, including lead single “Built By Broken Hearts.”
He recently performed at “ACM Country Kickoff At The Star” ahead of last week’s ACM awards. Stell is slated to perform on the Chevy Riverfront Stage on June 6 during this year’s CMA Fest.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the unstoppable creative force that is Matt Stell over the past few years,” shares Michael Martin, Endurance Music Group President. “His talent and determination are limitless, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!”
Daily Lineups Announced For ACL Music Festival 2024
/by Liza AndersonThe daily lineups have been announced for Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival 2024, taking place Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13 in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
Additionally, Hulu will return as the event’s the Official Streaming Destination. The platform will features select live performances, interviews and more during weekend one. Full broadcast lineup and schedule to be announced later this summer.
Both one-day and three-day tickets are on sale now. Layaway Plans are available starting at $25 down. Music fans ages eight and under are welcome to all general admission areas free of charge with a ticketed adult. Austin Kiddie Limits programming information will be announced later this summer. For more information, click here.
Martina McBride To Judge Magnolia Network/Max Talent Competition Show This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughMartina McBride. Photo: Joseph Llanes
A new talent competition series from the Magnolia Network, Second Chance Stage, is in development to air on Max this fall and will include Martina McBride as one of the judges.
Filmed in Kansas City, the eight-episode series, produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation, offers contestants who have pushed their dreams aside for years a second chance at their big break. With performances ranging from dancing to singing, stand-up comedy and more, one winner will receive a $100,000 cash prize in front of an audience of talent scouts, agents and producers looking for the next big star.
Other judges include actor Taye Diggs and Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian and actress Heidi Gardner, with sports broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author Emmanuel Acho tapped to host.
Magnolia Network is a joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines and Warner Bros. Discovery, featuring a family-friendly library of Emmy-winning, unscripted original content streaming on Max and discovery+ and the cable network.
George Strait Reveals More Details On Upcoming Album ‘Cowboys And Dreamers’
/by John Nix ArledgeCountry Music Hall of Fame member George Strait has debuted the first track of his upcoming album Cowboys And Dreamers, “MIA Down in MIA.” The new album was announced during his sold-out performance at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month.
Written by Adam Craig and Dean Dillon, and produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the track features Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band along with fiddle player Gene Elders.
“I’m dedicating this record to my longtime manager and friend Erv Woolsey and my longtime fiddle player and friend Gene Elders, who we lost on the same day, March 20, 2024, as well as my longtime friend and road manager Tom Foote, who we lost on April 29, 2024,” explains Strait. “I will never forget all of the good times we had together. May they rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Following the success of Honky Tonk Time Machine, his 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers is set to feature 13 new tracks, including “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame,” a collaboration with Chris Stapleton that he debuted during the Lucas Oil Stadium performance, as well as Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.”
Strait will continue his tour on Saturday, May 25 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, followed by dates in Charlotte, North Carolina, East Rutherford, New Jersey, College Station, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, Detroit, Michigan and Chicago. The tour will conclude with Strait’s 37th installment of his longtime show “Strait to Vegas” on Dec. 7 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cowboys And Dreamers Track Listing:
1. “Three Drinks Behind” (Benjamin Gaither, Jeff Silvey and Kim Williams)
2. “Cowboys And Dreamers” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait)
3. “To The Moon” (Marty Brown and Steve Clark)
4. “MIA Down in MIA” (Adam Craig and Dean Dillon)
5. “Wish I Could Say” (Keith Gattis)
6. “Calling From The Car” (Bobby Braddock)
7. “People Get Hurt Sometimes” (Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey)
8. “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame ft. Chris Stapleton” (Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark and Timothy James)
9. “The Little Things” (George Strait, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
10. “The Book” (George Strait, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Bubba Strait)
11. “Rent” (Guy Clark and Keith Gattis)
12. “Waymore’s Blues”(Curtis Buck and Waylon Jennings)
13. “The Journey Of Your Life” (Ronnie Bowman and Troy Jones)
Austin Snell’s ‘Still Bleeding’ Set For June 28
/by Lorie HollabaughStill Bleeding features 13 tracks produced by Andrew Baylis, blending the rich narratives of country music with a gritty sensibility to create what Snell aptly terms ‘grunge-country.’ The release features Snell’s breakout hit, “Pray All The Way Home,” which is now impacting at country radio, and traverses the emotional landscapes of mental health, fast-paced living, and much-needed compassion, amplified by dark-energy guitars.
“I’ve never been prouder of a piece of work in my life. This album gets fun, it gets deep, it gets happy, and it gets sad, a lot like life itself,” says Snell. “I truly found my purpose in writing this album and telling stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly. So that’s what I’m gonna do… As long as I’m ‘Still Bleeding.'”
In celebration of the album announcement, Snell debuted the video for “So Can I,” a new track that offers an emotional look at the raw vulnerability of asking someone not to give up on you.
Still Bleeding follows Snell’s 2022 EP, Muddy Water Rockstar, which cemented his status as a rising country star to watch. His debut singles, “Excuse the Mess” and “Wasting All These Tears” have racked up 235+ million global career streams and he was named the first country artist in SiriusXM/Pandora’s artist accelerator program.
Still Bleeding Track List:
1. Some Things Just Stick (Austin Snell, Christian Yancey, Kenny Whitmire, Sam Johnson)
2. Pray All The Way Home (Austin Snell, Cameron Walker, Michael Whitworth, Andrew Baylis)
3. Wildfire (Jared Conrad, Codey Lohden, Clayton Mullen)
4. Double Barrel (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Tucker Beathard)
5. Whiskey Me (Austin Snell, Sydney Cubit, Gabe Foust)
6. Other Girl (Austin Snell, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Roy, Driver Williams)
7. Wasting Mine (Austin Snell)
8. Don’t Pick Up (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Cody Lohden, Conor Matthews, Riley Thomas, Christian Yancey)
9. More Alcohol (Austin Snell, Matt McGinn, Blake Pendergrass, Michael Lotten)
10. Let Me Burn (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Jacob Hackworth, Bones Owens)
11. So Can I (Austin Snell, Lukas Scott, Joybeth Taylor)
12. Everybody’s Friend (Austin Snell, Driver Williams, Justin Ebach)
13. We Weren’t Meant To Be (Austin Snell, Driver Williams, Justin Ebach)
Country Producer Bud Logan Passes
/by Robert K OermannNoted Nashville record producer Bud Logan has died at age 83.
Logan is best known for producing 23 top 10 hits for Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee between 1978 and 1988, including such signature songs as “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Friday Night Blues.” He also produced “I Tell It Like It Used to Be” and “Hell and High Water,” which launched the career of Opry star T. Graham Brown.
Born Ira Robert Logan, he was a Tennessee native who first came to prominence as the bass player for The Blue Boys, the backing band of Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Reeves. After Reeves died in a 1964 plane crash, Logan became the band’s lead singer. The Blue Boys Featuring Bud Logan charted with two RCA singles, 1967’s “My Cup Runneth Over” and 1968’s “I’m Not Ready Yet.”
Logan also recorded as a solo artist, both for RCA (1968-69) and Mercury (1970-71). He formed a successful duo with Wilma Burgess, and the pair had hits with “Wake Me Into Love” and “The Best Day of the Rest of Our Love” in 1974.
He was also a songwriter. Logan’s songs were recorded by Jean Shepard, Billy Large and Charlie Rich, among others. Ernest Tubb released Logan’s “Till My Getup Has Has Gotup and Gone” as a Decca Records single in 1966.
But it was as a record producer that Logan became best known. In addition to the hits of Conlee and Brown, he produced such country artists as Roy Head, Dana McVicker, Johnny Lee, Shane Barnby, B.J. Thomas and Jeff Knight. He was noted as a mentor to many young singers and songwriters in Music City.
Bud Logan passed away in Nashville on May 13. No funeral services have been scheduled. Arrangements are being handled by Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.